September 2020

Retail Reset: How Brick-and-Mortar Stores Went Digital During Lockdown

Retail Reset: How Brick-and-Mortar Stores Went Digital During Lockdown

In the age of COVID-19, the savviest bridal retailers have gone digital. once you get a feel for the new frontier, you can fast-track your way to a season filled with unprecedented wedding jewelry sales. Whether you’re keeping regular hours now, with masks and hand sanitizer at the ready, or open only by appointment, selling…

Everything Old Is New Again: Modern Takes on Art Deco Jewelry

Carved stones, geometric forms, calibré-cut gems, inky enamel: ’20s style hasn’t lost its luster Photography by Kenji Toma Prop stylists Emily + Tony Mullin Jewelry editor Rima Suqi Deco Tassel necklace in 18k white gold with 6.15 cts. t.w. diamonds, 8.93 cts. t.w. emeralds, 104.29 cts. t.w. pearls, and 29.25 cts. t.w. onyx; $25,000; Umrao;…

Deco Boom: A Celebration of 100 Years of Art Deco Jewelry

The century-old Art Deco movement remains an eternal source of inspiration for contemporary jewelers. We recap the era’s influence on jewelry design through the decades in anticipation of the next big comeback. (Spoiler: It’s already here.) It would be hard to find someone in the jewelry industry who’s not well-versed in art deco style. Most…

The Roaring 2020s: 20 Experts on the Jewelry Industry’s Reinvention

We asked 20 big thinkers across the industry to describe the most significant changes that will—or should—influence jewelry retail in the weeks, months, and years to come If ever the jewelry industry ­needed a soothsayer, it’s now, as we stand at the crossroads of two ­profoundly different ways of life: pre- and post-COVID-19. How will…

5 Fashion Jewelry Designers Whose Pieces Won’t Bust Your Budget

These fab fashion jewelry brands bring affordability to your mix without sacrificing style Consider your youngest shoppers. As they explore the limits of their purchasing power, having the right balance of well-made yet affordable fashion jewelry in your store may be the key to creating a customer for life. The five brands featured here are…

Jewelers, Gig Economy Class Is In Session!

Give yourself a hand—literally. here’s how jewelry retailers can tap into the booming gig economy. In preparing to move and rebrand his Naperville, Ill., jewelry store this year, Kevin Lydon leaned into the swelling so-called gig economy for a helping hand. Lydon, who changed the name of his 16-year-old jewelry store from The Diamond Gallery…

It Takes Two: Design Collaborations to Admire and Emulate

Design collaborations are a smart way to generate buzz, reach new audiences, and ultimately drive sales. Here’s what makes the model successful—and how jewelers can make it work for them on a local level. Although 2020 has been tough going, the year began with some memorable jewelry design collaborations that epitomized why alliances between like-minded…

15 Stunning New Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

From colored center stones to this year’s hottest diamond shape (ovals!), these uncommonly beautiful wedding jewels are sure to please even your choosiest clients   Alternative (L–R) Tourmaline Hex Ballerina ring with 1.24 ct. tourmaline and 1.12 cts. t.w. diamonds in 14k yellow gold; starting at $8,500; Marrow; info@marrowfine.com; marrowfine.com Selena ring with 0.79 ct. color-change…

Behind JCK’s Two Stunning September 2020 Covers

Cover illustration by Matthieu Forichon Retail Reset Brick-and-mortar stores have suddenly become screen saviors. Kingston earrings in 14k gold–plated brass with cowrie shells; $58; Jam + Rico; info@jamandrico.com; jamandrico.com Caroline ring with 2.01 ct. emerald-cut diamond and 0.59 ct. t.w. baguettes in 18k yellow gold; $21,400; Single Stone; info@singlestone.com; singlestone.com Protect JW original pendant in…

5 Things Rocking the Industry: September 2020

GROUPS There are changes afoot at the organization formerly known as the Diamond Producers Association. Rechristened the Natural Diamond Council, the miner-backed group will still run ads for gems, but it’s also turning its site into an info hub for diamonds. And it plans fewer potshots at lab-grown diamonds (“They’re a distraction,” says new CEO…

From the Editor, September 2020: Black Jewelers Matter

In the wake of the protests that erupted across the country in late May over the brutal killing of George Floyd, the industry embarked on a much-needed conversation about systemic racism and how to create a more diverse and inclusive environment for BIPOC jewelers. While change this dramatic doesn’t happen overnight, there are reasons to…

Staff Picks, September 2020: Sunrise, Sunset-Colored Jewelry

What JCK magazine’s Amy Elliott is loving this month “Bold and fiery or muted and mellow, these gemstones made me think of the ‘rosy-fingered dawn’ and sunsets spreading out over the desert.” —Amy Elliott, JCK contributing editor (Top) Moth brooch with chalcedony and Atelier Munsteiner–cut green tourmaline in 18k, 22k, and 24k gold and silver…

From the Publisher, September 2020: It’s a Year Like No Other

Just one year ago, I was ­excitedly ­writing my publisher’s letter for the ­September–October 2019 issue of JCK, which marked our 150th anniversary. What a difference a year makes. As I write this in mid-July 2020, our world is months into the COVID-19 pandemic, a once-in-a-century crisis. There’s not a single aspect of our lives…

Particulieres: Our Favorite Instagram Feed of the Month

Packed with substantial pieces and superstylish photos, Shelly Branch’s Particulieres (@particulieres.nyc) is a vintage (and gold!) jewelry lover’s dream. Think hefty chains, chunky cabochons, and sculptural designs from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, described with an expert’s eye and staged to gilded perfection. “A most stylish slab”: a 1970s textured 18k gold and lapis pendant…

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Is Driving Jewelers Online

In August, at press time, the COVID-19 pandemic was still ravaging some areas of the United States, with many jewelers having to temporarily close and customers afraid to leave their homes. As a result, jewelry stores—even those that were traditionally cyber-shy—have increasingly turned to online tools. Signet just hired its first-ever chief digital officer—Rebecca Wooters,…

3 Questions for…Diamonds Do Good Cofounder Dr. Benjamin Chavis

In the jewelry business, Dr. Benjamin Chavis is known as a cofounder of Diamonds Do Good (formerly the Diamond Empowerment Fund). But in the outside world, he’s more famous as a member of the Wilmington 10—a group of civil rights activists who were falsely convicted of arson and conspiracy in 1971—as well as a former…

Jewelry Industry and People: September 2020

COMINGS AND GOINGS Swarovski has named Robert Buchbauer, great-great-grandson of the company founder, its new CEO as part of a business realignment. According to WWD, Nadja Swarovski will no longer head Atelier Swarovski or branding and communications, though she’ll still lead the Swarovski Foundation and overall sustainability efforts and remain on the executive board. Ernest “Ernie”…

Meet Innovative Retailer Marissa Collections of Naples, Fla.

The key to Marissa Collections’ success (and six-figure sales) is connecting clients directly with their favorite jewelry designers Since 1975, Marissa Collections has been synonymous with designer fashion in southern Florida. The now-sprawling boutique was founded by co-owners Marissa and Burt Hartington as a fashion oasis that introduced emerging designer collections from all over the…

Quarantine Chic: Popular Jewelry Styles Since Stores Are Reopening

Since reopening your store(s), what jewelry styles or brands have customers been most interested in? We reopened in mid-June. We’ve gotten several comments from clients that they had travel plans canceled for this time period, and in lieu of that, they have decided to splurge a bit more on jewelry. Birthday and anniversary gifts seem…

Meet the Winner of JCK’s Inaugural Diamonds Do Good Jewelry Awards

The winner of JCK’s inaugural Diamonds Do Good Jewelry Awards impressed us with a 40th-birthday celebration beyond compare In early February, JCK, in partnership with Diamonds Do Good, announced the inaugural Diamonds Do Good Jewelry Awards honoring members of the jewelry industry who have made charitable giving a successful and sustainable part of their business.…

The Boy Is Fine: Men’s Rings for Any and Every Occasion

Masculine statement rings elevate a modern gent’s wardrobe (Top) Zodiac (Aquarius) ring with black diamonds in 18k yellow gold; $8,250; Established; 646-745-6831; establishedjewelry.com Petrvs Scarab Signet ring in black titanium and 18k yellow gold; $1,750; David Yurman; 888-398-7626; davidyurman.com Organic men’s band in 22k yellow gold and sterling silver; $2,385; Todd Reed; 303-442-6280; toddreed.com Crusader…

Baubles and Beads: Meet Fashion Jewelry Queen Mignonne Gavigan

Mignonne Gavigan turned a scrap of torn fabric into a sparkle- and spangle-filled earring-focused fashion jewelry empire Sometimes, destiny is decided by a single impulsive act. For designer Mignonne “Maggie” Gavigan Smith, that moment occurred when she was remaking a vintage beaded couture dress. As she ripped the gown, a swath of it fell to…

JCK Asks…EF Collection Designer Emily Faith Goldstein

Her hip Los Angeles–based brand is perfectly positioned for self-purchasers We love big jewelry as much as anyone. But we also don’t go anywhere without a few sparkly stacking bands and delicate diamond earrings. That’s where EF Collection comes in. If it’s a staple, EF makes it. And if you’re stumped for inspiration, just go…

Wheel of Fortune: Jacob & Co.’s Astronomia Casino Watch

Jacob & Co. has taken its ­action-packed Astronomia watch to ­mind-blowing new levels of complexity (and fun!) with the Astronomia Casino: a limited edition featuring a miniature, fully functioning roulette wheel, complete with an actual bouncing ball. “I think people will be surprised by how real the experience is,” says chief content officer Keith W.…

Gold, September 2020: Celestial Jewelry, Initial Pendants, and More

TREND GAME For Heaven’s Sake Celestial motifs are evergreen in jewelry, but not since the Victorian era have we seen so much demand for jewels boasting planetary inspiration. The sun, moon, stars, and planets feel especially luxe when wrought in real gold. Designers such as Andrea Fohrman and Sofia Zakia built their popular permanent collections…

Colored Stones, September 2020: Dreamboule, Evie Fine Jewelry

CAN’T-MISS COLLECTION Scene Stealers To showcase a tiny “world within a world” is the goal of the breathtaking rings by Italian jewelry brand Dreamboule, founded in 2018 by Ben Crocco, an alumnus of the Swiss watch brand Hublot. The cabochon cocktail rings feature tiny scenes erected on watch bezels in 18k gold and precious gemstones—frozen…

Clique Bait: Inside Instagram’s Close Friends and Patreon

Some brands and influencers are giving their most dedicated followers a chance to get insider content—for a small fee Instagram was once the most serene of the social platforms. All arty photos and spare captions, it felt like a true respite from Facebook’s aggressive linking and busy interfaces. But the network grew—it now has more…

Tool Time, The Goods: The Garmin Venu Wearable and More

WHO, WHAT, WEARABLE Garmin Venu Garmin, arguably the most respected sports smartwatch brand on the market, designed its new Venu model to be the ultimate sports watch. Yes, it tells time, has text and call alerts, and plays music. But its forte is tracking and measuring sports performance, along with facets of your overall health.…

Le Jazz Hot: Josephine Baker in Deco Jewelry by Jean Dunand

Josephine Baker is a deco superstar in African-influenced necklaces by sculptor/jeweler/lacquer master Jean Dunand Josephine Baker was one of the most famous women in Paris, her adopted city, and most of Europe during the Jazz Age. The American-born artist and civil rights activist shimmied her way to ­stardom, introducing her Danse Sauvage onstage in Paris…

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